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By the Numbers: Presidential Inauguration 2021

Every four years Americans cast their vote for president in November and watch as the newly elected president takes the oath of office the following January. Architect of the Capitol (AOC) staff also spend these months preparing for the inauguration at the U.S. Capitol.
By Erin Nelson | January 4, 2021
        
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    View of the north congressional stand under construction for the 2021 inauguration.

View of the north congressional stand under construction for the 2021 inauguration.

Presidential inaugural ceremonies are one of the most well-known of the numerous official events held at the U.S. Capitol. The AOC builds the inaugural platform on the U.S. Capitol's West Front, sets up the seating and fencing on the grounds, and coordinates other activities with the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

While many of us may have picked up drills, hammers and nails for personal home improvement projects during the pandemic, it'd be hard to match the number of materials needed to set the stage for one of our country's most cherished traditions.

Much goes into the presidential inauguration; here are a few numbers that help make that special day possible.

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    By The Numbers: 2021 Inaugural Platform. (Numbers in body copy on the page below.)ZERO lost time injuries and 0 recordable injuries
	177 tons (234,000 pounds) of sand to fill the West Front fountain
	1,244 gallons of paint
	3,424 structural connectors
	430 sheets of foam insulation for protection of existing surfaces
	1,363 sheets of plywood = 43,616 square feet = acre+
	17,900 construction man hours; 5,600 hours for the post-inauguration dismantle
	160,000 pounds of scaffolding and bleaches
	552,700 nails
	357 concrete masonry units for the foundation
	20,160 pounds of grout and mortar for foundations
	110,038 linear feet of dimensional lumber**View more photos from the construction, plus previous inaugurations, in our Flickr album.**
Comments
    
  
    
William Wood (not verified)PermalinkJanuary 5, 2021 - 5:35pmFantastic statistics, and a major accomplishment ever 4 years for our country!
Replygraeme (not verified)PermalinkJanuary 8, 2021 - 10:56amomg i hate that it was destroyd
ReplyMarilyn  Burks (not verified)PermalinkJanuary 10, 2021 - 12:33amThank you for your hard work. Now you’ll have to clean everything up after the riot. My heart is with you, prayers also. Please keep our new President safe. We need him so much. I am so frightened.
I’m an old, retired 5th grade teacher and U.S. history major.
ReplyCalvin Johnson (not verified)PermalinkJanuary 20, 2021 - 11:06amThis text helped me learn a lot about the Inauguration, it just so helpful.
ReplyCalvin Johnson (not verified)PermalinkJanuary 20, 2021 - 11:09amI did not like that it was destroyd either that was terrible.
ReplyNomar Hernandez (not verified)PermalinkJanuary 20, 2021 - 10:17pmI'm glad that the Inauguration went well and that there were no problems, issues, etc.
Replyian cannady (not verified)PermalinkJanuary 26, 2021 - 9:24amyall are allsome
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